BR102013002355A2 - ENERGY NETWORK FOR TOP MOBILE MACHINERY - Google Patents

Abstract

AIR POWER NETWORK FOR MOBILE MINING MACHINES. A vehicle is provided that connects to an overhead network structure to drive and guide the vehicle. The overhead power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley travels, a track-connected power source, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to connect to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure. The chassis includes a 360-degree swivel connector, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Description

AIR POWER NETWORK FOR MOBILE MINING MACHINES

Reference to Related Requests

The present application claims priority for United States Provisional Application 61 / 593,073, filed January 31, 2012, the full contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to mobile electrical machinery and more specifically to an overhead power grid connected to mobile electrical machinery.

Heavy mining machinery used in surface mining and "hard rock" underground mining is typically powered by diesel engines. There has long been a need to reduce the health risks 15 associated with the operation of such confined surface disc motors and underground mining applications. Specifically, diesel engines emit harmful particulate matter to humans, create high noise levels, and significantly increase

2 0 "heat loading" in an underground mine.

Additionally, the high cost of diesel fuel and diesel engine maintenance present additional adverse aspects.

Conventional overhead power systems such as rail transport systems utilize pantographs that slide on a suspended wire. These systems require the use of a rail-based orientation to keep the moving machine (locomotive) within an acceptable proximity to the suspended wires (conductors).

Pantograph systems have been attempted to be implemented with haul trucks, but such pantograph systems do not include any means of "switching" to change the direction of travel along the road or rail except for pantograph lowering, returning to energy. diesel to turn around, and then re-engage the pantograph to return to air power.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the invention, an overhead power structure is provided for energizing and guiding a vehicle. The overhead power structure includes a trolley, miscellaneous generally tubular and parallel segments forming a track along which the trolley travels, a power supply connected to the tubular segments, and a cable attached to the trolley and configured for attachment to a vehicle. moving on a surface. The cable mechanically and electrically connects the vehicle to the trolley.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is configured to connect to an overhead power structure. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a mobile mining machine connected to an overhead power grid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2A is a partial right side perspective view of the mobile mining machine connected to the overhead power grid of Figure 1.

Figure 2B is a plan view of a special connector 30 for the mobile mining machine of Figure 1. Figure 2C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mobile mining machine.

Figure 3A is a perspective view of an overhead power trolley according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3B is a plan view of Figure 3A.

Figure 4 is an exploded plan view of the overhead power grid.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the network of

air power including a switching mechanism.

Figure 6 is an overhead plan view of an alternative embodiment of the overhead power grid in a spin configuration.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an aerial plan view of the sport.

alternative to the overhead power grid of Figure 6 in a straight configuration.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining any embodiments of the invention,

In detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of

other modalities and to be practiced or performed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and their

The variations here are intended to cover the following items and their equivalents as well as additional items. The terms "assembled", "connected" and "coupled" are used in the broad sense and include direct as well as indirect mounting, connection and coupling. Additionally, 5 "wired" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and may include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. In addition, electronic communications, and notifications, may be performed using any known means 10 including direct connections, wired connections, etc.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate mobile mining machine mining operations 100 (such as a cargo haul-dump vehicle hereinafter "LHD"). The LHD 100 is electrically and mechanically connected to an air power structure 1 via a trolley 10. The air power structure 1 may be a standalone structure or may be overhead from the roof of a mine.

As shown in Figures 2A and 3, overhead power structure 1 includes a plurality of conductors

20 generally tubular 2 and rail segments 3. Outer tubes are rail segments 3 along which guide wheels 11 of trolley 10 travel, and inner tubes are metal conductor tubes 2 which form the conductors for a three phase AC power network 20. Power network 25 can be of multiple types, ie AC, CD, three phase AC, etc. The metal conductor pipes 2 may be formed of copper or other conductive metal. The conductors 2 and rail segments 3 form a power grid structure 1 which is connected to the LHD 100 through a flexible cable 110. As shown in Figures 2A and 3, the flexible cable 110 is hung from the trolley 10. and connects power from power grid 20 to the LHD 100. Flex 110, in conjunction with the associated trolley 10 and special connector 5 120 (discussed further below) in the LHD 100 keeps the ground or floor surface of the mine free. so that other equipment can be more easily operated, especially other untethered equipment.

As best seen in Figure 2B, the 10 110 flex cable connects to the LHD 100 chassis 101 via a special 360-degree swivel 120 connector. Special connector 120 allows flexible cable 110 to be safely removed without damage to LHD 100, trolley 10, power structure 1, or mining personnel. Connector 120 includes a spring-loaded ball 121 that works in a detent 122 to hold flex 110 in a socket.

123. However, with sufficient traction, flex 110 can be pulled out of connector 120. The ability of flex 110 to easily release from connector 120 20 is important if trolley 10 is suspended, and to prevent action. pull down the overhead segments 2, 3 in case the LHD 100 moves beyond the reach of cable 110.

In an alternative embodiment, in addition to or instead of allowing flexible cable 110 to release from connector 120 in the event of a malfunction, trolley 10 includes a control means for shutting off power through cable 110 to the LHD 100. Control means may include a circuit breaker, a control transformer, a contact means, a ground fault switch, or a trolley-mounted logic controller. The control means may also include an angle or tension sensor that indicates a position or angle of the flexible cable 110 (i.e., that the cable 110 is not hung substantially upright or is pulled at a given angle exceeding a predetermined threshold angle. ). If the sensor determines that the cable angle 110 exceeds the minimum threshold angle, the control means signals a cable reel 130 (further described below) to release additional cable 10 or signals the operator to apply brakes to the LHD 100. If there is no cable reel 130 or if cable 110 on cable reel 130 has reached its maximum output, an additional tear rope may be attached between the LHD 100 chassis and a trolley base 10 to indicate that 15 Cable 110 is at a maximum voltage, thus alerting the operator to apply the brakes. In addition, the circuit breaker or a power structure grounding circuit 1 may cut the power to the grid 1 in case the voltage on the cable 110 reaches a second higher threshold.

As shown in Figure 2C and as discussed

above, the LHD 100 may include a cable reel storing the flex 110. The presence of the cable reel 130 allows the LHD 100 to travel over greater distances while still remaining connected to the overhead power structure I For example, flex 110 is long enough for the LHD 100 to reach other entrances far enough to carry ore, or to perform other required tasks, while still remaining connected to air power network 1 and not

3 0 making it tangled. Cable reel 130 can be attached anywhere on the LHD or Transport Truck, such as the front side shown in Figure 2C. Cable 110 is fed from reel 130 through a vertical extension conduit 131 coupled to cable reel 130.

An upper portion of conduit 131 is attached to connector 120, preferably at a height approximately slightly below that of the conductors 2 and rail segments 3 of the overhead power structure 1 to minimize interference from flex 110 with other components 10 or LHD operators. 110. However, conduit 131 may have other heights as desired for various operations.

As discussed above, the LHD 100 connects to power structure 1 via trolley 10 which travels along rail segments 3 and which switches to power structure 1. As shown in Figures 3A-3B, the trolley 10 includes a base 12 extending below and generally parallel to the overhead power structure 1. Two flanges 13 rise upwards from respective sides of base 2 on the outside of rail segments 20. A pair of wheels spaced upper guide wheels Ila and a lower guide wheel Ilb are secured to an inner side of each flange 13. However, the number and spacing of upper guide wheels Ila and lower Ilb may be varied. Ilb lower guide wheels cooperate

with the upper guide wheels Ila to "compress" the rail segments 3 to ensure that the trolley 10 remains properly balanced on the rail segments

3 and so that offsets 15 (discussed further below) remain properly aligned with the

30 Conductors 2. Continuing with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the trolley includes switches 15 that connect to the network conductors 2 by means of a switching material such as graphite. Flex 110 then connects switches 5 15 to LHD 100. Switches 15 may include a grounding circuit from LHD 100, which extends through ground wires in flex cable 110, and then through trolley wheels 11. moving on overhead rails 3 of overhead network I. A "universal joint" spinner 10 16 is disposed on base 12 of trolley 10 and a cable clip 17 is used to secure flex 110 to trolley 10. Flex cable 110 hangs from the fastener 17 and connects to connector 12 0, mounted on the LHD 10 0.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, embodiments of the present invention also include a switching device 30 to allow movement from one mine inlet to another. Referring to the plan view of Figure 4, as overhead network segments 2, 3 include multiple conductors 2 (three are shown in Figure 4) between two outer tubular rail segments 3, segments A, B, C may be moved mechanically to the place. Segment A can slide right and left in the direction of the arrows shown in the plan view drawing of Figure 4 to create a straight portion of offset 30. Segments BeC slide back and forth "over" the lines of main road at a 45-degree angle (in the direction of the corresponding arrows shown in the drawing) and then down into position to make a right or left turn as the trolley 10 approaches from the right one in Figure 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the movements are performed by a winch 40 which lowers the individual segments into place. However, the movements of the segments may be performed with slides, cams, linear actuators, belts, or other devices known in the art. A controller (not shown) can be used to electronically control the mechanical drive of segments A, B, C. A device similar to computing device 30 could be used for 10 LHD 100 to pass another mining machine as long as there is space enough in an underground or surface gallery.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of having a separate mechanism for the respective track segments to be switched into place, a turntable 50 shown in Figures 6-9 performs the switching of track pieces. The turntable 50 includes a generally circular outer ring 51 and a support member 52 connected to and extending between ring 51. Support member 52 connects ring 51 to a straight rail segment and / or a segment of curved rail. Support member 52 shown in Figures 6-9 is generally rectangular in shape, with arc-shaped longitudinal end sides 53, arc-shaped end sides 53 matching ring 51. Support member 52 includes a base member 54 arranged therein such that the turntable 50 may be aerial from a ceiling.

The turntable 50 is rotatable to align the curved rail segment so that the LHD 100 makes a right or left turn 30 (Figures 6-7) or to align the straight rail segment with the fixed portions of the track so that the LHD 100 moves straight (Figures 8-9). The turntable 50 could be modified to be used at a four-way intersection if necessary. A controller (not shown) having a motor position sensor or the like may be used to control the turntable rotation.

In operation, when the LHD 100 travels along the entry ways in an underground mine, or along 10 dedicated highways in a surface mine, flex 110 pulls trolley 10 along the overhead power grid system. 1, thereby maintaining connectivity to the power grid 20. The LHD 100 can move around and rotate completely around a circle without the flexible cable 110 being pinched or touching the ground. The connection to the mining machine 100 includes an escape connector 120 in case the LHD 100 attempts to travel further than the maximum distance that will be allowed by the HO flex cable. The mobile mining machine 100 could then be

20 move around the entrances to an underground mine by "transporting" its trolley 10 while consuming energy from the overhead grid structure 1.

The overhead power grid 1 for mobile mining machines 100 in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention utilizes surface power mining machines 100 and underground mines without the use of flexible ground contact cables and / or spools. Cable Typical flex with a cable reel quickly wears out and hinders the passage of multiple 30 powered cable reel machines (which cannot travel over the powered cables). Overhead network system 1 eliminates the total network outage scenario by providing for offsets 30 and intersections where machines can pass each other. For example, if two LHD 100s approach the intersection illustrated in Figure 3, one from the bottom of the figure and the other from the right side of the figure, and both try to move to the top of the figure, one of LHD 100 may stop, wait for the other to pass through the 10 intersection, and then continue behind the first. If these mining vehicles use "ground-down" flexible cables through a machine-mounted cable reel, the second LHD 100 would have to wait for the first LHD 100 to return and pass back through the offset in the 15 direction it originally came before the second LHD 100 could proceed toward a position at the top of the figure.

Mobile power machine air network 100 1 offers significant advantages in terms of

2 0 health and safety in relation to diesel-powered machines by reducing or eliminating the dependence on diesel energy completely, since all machines connected to the grid would be electrically powered, for example by means of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). ) 25 and / or Switched Reluctance Trigger (SRD). Utilizing these electronic drive technologies in conjunction with overhead power grid 1 also offers the advantage of increased power when needed and the ability to "regenerate" braking energy back to the grid, 30 thus optimizing power efficiencies. Regeneration is the process of using electric wheel motors as generators to convert deceleration (braking) energy and return it to the same voltage and frequency to pump it back to grid 1.

Although the invention has been described in detail with

With reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and science of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Claims (20)

1. Vehicle configured to connect to an overhead power structure, the vehicle characterized by the fact that it comprises: a chassis; and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure, where the chassis includes a 3 60-degree swivel connector, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is a mining vehicle. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is a cargo transport-dump vehicle. Vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connector includes a spring-loaded ball working in a retainer to hold the connector in a chassis socket. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable can be released from the connector. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a cable reel holding the cable. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a conduit coupled to the cable reel at one end and coupled to the connector at an opposite end. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the conduit is generally vertical. 9. Airpower structure for a vehicle means an airpower structure characterized by the fact that it comprises: a trolley; several generally tubular and parallel segments forming a pathway along which the trolley travels; a power source connected to the tubular segments; and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to a moving vehicle on a surface, the cable mechanically and electrically connecting the vehicle to the trolley. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer tubular segments are rail segments along which the guide wheels of the trolley move. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner tubular segments are conductive tubes that form conductors for a power network. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the power grid is a three-phase AC power grid. Air power structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the trolley includes a base extending below and generally parallel to the air power structure. Air power structure according to claim 13, characterized in that two flanges rise upwards from the respective sides of the base on the outer side of the rail segments. Air power structure according to Claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the guide wheels travels along an upper portion of the outer tubular segments and at least one of the guide wheels moves along it. of a lower portion of the outer tubular segments. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a detour to change the direction of a portion of the track. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a turntable for changing the direction of a portion of the track. Air power structure according to claim 17, characterized in that the turntable includes several portions of the track and is rotatable to change the direction of the track corresponding to a portion selected from the track portions. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor that determines a cable angle, and if the angle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the sensor sends a signal to a control means. Air power structure according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor that determines a voltage amount in the cable, and if the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, the sensor sends a signal to a medium. control.